Composition S2

Part 2
2019-2020

Pr. Siham Mechiche Alami

A Paragraph Develops One Idea

• A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling

idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence.

• A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or

supports an essay’s thesis statement; it unifies the content of a
paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it advises the
reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will
discuss it.
Topic Sentence

• What is the topic sentence?

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
• What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
• How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph.
• A good topic sentence:
informs the reader of the subject that will be discussed in the
paragraph,
asserts the writer’s point of view or attitude,
intrigues the reader to continue reading,
creates a sense of action, and
is not vague, rambling, too narrow or too broad.
Topic Sentence
• Example:
Social media has become one of the most widely used means
of exchange of news, information and communication, especially among
young users. First, social media has greatly replaced print media as it is a
more practical and faster way to keep in touch with friends and relatives.
Second, social media enables one to have access to any kind of information
more than ever before. All you need is have an internet connection and a
device to collect information and research any topic. Third, online social
interactions helps young users develop self-confidence and social skills. As a
result, social media can be considered as an effective communicative tool
that provides youth with a range of opportunities to empower themselves
and develop their skills.
Supporting Details

• What are supporting sentences?

They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a
paragraph.
• What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the
paragraph. How do I write them? You should give supporting facts,
details, and examples.
Supporting Ideas
• Example: Social media has become one of the most widely used
means of exchange of news, information and communication,
especially among young users. First, social media has greatly replaced
print media as it is a more practical and faster way to keep in touch
with friends and relatives. Second, social media enables one to have
access to any kind of information more than ever before. All you need
is have an internet connection and a device to collect information and
research any topic. Third, online social interactions helps young users
develop self-confidence and social skills. As a result, social media can
be considered as an effective communicative tool that provides youth
with a range of opportunities to empower themselves and develop
their skills.
Closing Sentence

• What is the closing sentence?

The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.

• What does it do?

It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

• How do I write one?

Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Closing Sentence
• Example: Social media has become one of the most widely used
means of exchange of news, information and communication,
especially among young users. First, social media has greatly replaced
print media as it is a more practical and faster way to keep in touch
with friends and relatives. Second, social media enables one to have
access to any kind of information more than ever before. All you need
is have an internet connection and a device to collect information and
research any topic. Third, online social interactions helps young users
develop self-confidence and social skills. As a result, social media can
be considered as an effective communicative tool that provides youth
with a range of opportunities to empower themselves and develop
their skills.
Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas

• Here are some examples:

• Topic Sentence: There are many possible contributing factors to global
warming.
• The topic is "global warming" and the controlling idea is "contributing
factors.”
• Topic Sentence: Technology has changed our lifestyle
• The topic is “Technology” and the controlling idea is “changed our
lifestyle.”
The Controlling Idea
• The controlling idea limits the topic.
• It tells what the author intends to say about the topic.
Exp 1:
Sea food is healthy because of three main reasons

The topic is “sea food”

The controlling idea is “three main reasons”

The paragraph will talk about sea food, and it will list its three
reasons. The topic is controlled by these three reasons.
Circle the topic and underline the controlling ideas in the following topic sentences:

• Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education.

• Cooking requires a number of different skills.
• It is important to be ready before buying a house.
• Graduating from high school is important for many different
reasons.
• Having a first child is difficult because of the significant adjustments
in your life.
• Remodelling a kitchen successfully requires research and a good
eye.
Answer:
• Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education.

• Creative writing requires a number of different skills.

• It is important to be ready before buying a house.

• Teaching art as a discipline is important for many different reasons.

• Having a first child is difficult because of the significant adjustments in your life.